Top-rated local movers that handle New Orleans to Charleston moves
When planning a move from New Orleans to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing eight local movers in New Orleans who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from New Orleans to Charleston.
- Atmosphere Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- AD Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 6892
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1043891
Alternate Names: Atmosphere Enterprises, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8348
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 7718
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: WJMB Transport, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 5382-D
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 3372702
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from New Orleans to Charleston?
Movers in Louisiana charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,181 – $4,320 | $801 – $1,851 | $587 – $1,179 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,278 – $5,773 | $1,353 – $2,679 | $680 – $1,333 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,004 – $7,596 | $1,974 – $3,733 | $812 – $1,735 |
Cost to hire movers from New Orleans to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New Orleans to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,181 and $4,320. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,278 to $5,773 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New Orleans to Charleston typically runs between $4,004 and $7,596.
Cost of moving containers from New Orleans to Charleston
When moving from New Orleans to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $801 and $1,851. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,353 to $2,679. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,974 up to $3,733. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Louisiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in New Orleans is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $587 and $1,179. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $680 and $1,333. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $812 and $1,735.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from New Orleans to Charleston
The cost of New Orleans movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,253, but larger homes can run up to $6,599.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in New Orleans.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($587–$1,499) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from New Orleans to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than New Orleans – roughly 51% less for singles and 51% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $3,134 in New Orleans. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $7,905.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| New Orleans | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,813 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,150 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $231,649 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,905 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 6.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 50% lower in Charleston than in New Orleans, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 34% lower in Charleston than in New Orleans.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 16% higher in Charleston compared to New Orleans, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Charleston, where the cost of living for a single person is 51% less than in New Orleans.
- Moving to Charleston could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 51% less than in New Orleans.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 44% lower than that of New Orleans. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 30% lower in Charleston than in New Orleans. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Charleston can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 53% higher in West Virginia compared to Louisiana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing New Orleans with Charleston:
| Living Expense | New Orleans | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $244.46 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.50 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.50 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $124.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $61.75 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in New Orleans than in Charleston.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Charleston
| New Orleans | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 383,997 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 58 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 28 |
| Crime index | 67.31 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 32.69 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 87% less than New Orleans.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than New Orleans’s score of 7.
- Charleston is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 33 out of 100 vs New Orleans’s 58 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as New Orleans, which has a score of 66.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 53.94 compared to New Orleans’s 67.31. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than New Orleans with a safety index of 46.06 vs New Orleans’s 32.69.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in New Orleans it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your New Orleans to Charleston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While West Virginia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers’ insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen Charlie West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East End
- West Side
- Kanawha City
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- South Hills
- Edgewood
- Kanawha City
- Fort Hill
- Loudon Heights
Things to do in Charleston
After getting comfortable in your new West Virginia home, it’s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks like the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from New Orleans to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in New Orleans are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from New Orleans to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from New Orleans to Charleston take?
A move of 907 miles from New Orleans, LA to Charleston, generally takes two to seven days. Movers in New Orleans sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in New Orleans?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In New Orleans, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in New Orleans offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in New Orleans have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 3 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across LA, there are 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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